Job Descriptions

Clear job descriptions need to be written for each volunteer position. Committee members must be involved in developing and approve all positions.

Well-crafted position descriptions for each approved job will assist the organisation to:

Set the criteria for selection and placement of applying volunteers

Understand the scope responsibilities and limitations of the work

Put in place appropriate screening measures for applicants

Develop necessary training materials

Establish standards for performance in supervising and evaluating volunteers, including grounds for possible termination

Develop means to recognize and reward volunteer effort

To provide volunteers with a challenge and the motivation for continued success, each position description should include an explanation of the program's desired outcomes and the volunteer's role in helping the organisation achieve them. Specific skill sets and experience required for each position must be identified. It also important to specify the location, time commitment and expected duration of the project.

Volunteer staff, just like paid staff, need clear, accurate and current descriptions of the work that they are expected to do. All volunteer positions should have their own position descriptions, which need to be reviewed at least once every year, or whenever the nature of the work changes substantially.

A good job description would include the following:

A brief summary of the mission and major activities of the entire organisation.

A description of the purpose and duties of the advertised volunteer position, including the actual task/s that the volunteer is expected to perform.